Espaço Talassa - whale watching on Pico
The Azores are among the best places in the world to spot whales and dolphins. About 25 different species live here or pass by. Focusing on the waters around the island of Pico, the dream of seeing whales and dolphins up close becomes a reality. Almost nowhere in the world is it possible to observe so many different species over the course of a season. The sea provides a richly nourished food table for the various mammals. The most frequently sighted whale is the sperm whale, Moby Dick, which can grow up to 18 meters long. The most commonly spotted dolphin is the bottlenose along with the common dolphin.
Responsible whale watching in the Azores since 1989
Since 1989, Serge Viallelle has been sailing in the Azores. He has explored and learned about the impressive world of cetaceans (better known as whales and dolphins which live in the Atlantic Ocean around the Azores). In 1991, Espaço Talassa, the first sustainable observation and research station for the cetaceans was born in the Azores, due to this ever-growing enthusiasm. Each observation cruise (with an average succession rate of 98%) not only offers the opportunity to meet one of the 27 species of marine mammals registered in the Azores, but also actively participates in the exploration and protection of these last Leviathans. At sea, with respect for the animals and according to our ethical principles, you can help them collect the information they need for their research: observed species, photos, and underwater acoustic recordings. On land you will find their relevant library and their biologists and cetologists (whale researchers) for information. Before boarding you will receive an introduction to the largely unknown world of whales and dolphins.
A whale watching cruise includes:
• Sea excursions for about 3 hours, every day at 10 am and 3 pm from Lajes do Pico (depending on the weather)
• Come one hour before boarding to see a multimedia presentation about the journey
• Insurance (treatment, illness, accident, rescue costs)
• Locate the animals by the land watcher and also by hydrophones that are on the boats
• Maximum 12 people per boat (Zodiac)
• Final discussion and drink after the tour
• Entrance to the whale museum in Lajes
Bookable from March 31 to November 3, 2018
Additional info: 10 guests = 1 tree
By choosing Espaço Talassa, you decide to limit your ecological footprint. Espaço Talassa, in collaboration with the Quercus organization, is planting trees and participating in the micro-reserve project to partially offset the environmental deficit and CO2 emissions caused by our whale watching activity. For each client, about 50 cents will be donated to plant "Cabeço Santo", in the Caramulo mountain range. There was a terrible forest fire that occurred in 2005, now the area has been replanted.
Responsible whale watching in the Azores since 1989
Since 1989, Serge Viallelle has been sailing in the Azores. He has explored and learned about the impressive world of cetaceans (better known as whales and dolphins which live in the Atlantic Ocean around the Azores). In 1991, Espaço Talassa, the first sustainable observation and research station for the cetaceans was born in the Azores, due to this ever-growing enthusiasm. Each observation cruise (with an average succession rate of 98%) not only offers the opportunity to meet one of the 27 species of marine mammals registered in the Azores, but also actively participates in the exploration and protection of these last Leviathans. At sea, with respect for the animals and according to our ethical principles, you can help them collect the information they need for their research: observed species, photos, and underwater acoustic recordings. On land you will find their relevant library and their biologists and cetologists (whale researchers) for information. Before boarding you will receive an introduction to the largely unknown world of whales and dolphins.
A whale watching cruise includes:
• Sea excursions for about 3 hours, every day at 10 am and 3 pm from Lajes do Pico (depending on the weather)
• Come one hour before boarding to see a multimedia presentation about the journey
• Insurance (treatment, illness, accident, rescue costs)
• Locate the animals by the land watcher and also by hydrophones that are on the boats
• Maximum 12 people per boat (Zodiac)
• Final discussion and drink after the tour
• Entrance to the whale museum in Lajes
Bookable from March 31 to November 3, 2018
Additional info: 10 guests = 1 tree
By choosing Espaço Talassa, you decide to limit your ecological footprint. Espaço Talassa, in collaboration with the Quercus organization, is planting trees and participating in the micro-reserve project to partially offset the environmental deficit and CO2 emissions caused by our whale watching activity. For each client, about 50 cents will be donated to plant "Cabeço Santo", in the Caramulo mountain range. There was a terrible forest fire that occurred in 2005, now the area has been replanted.
